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City of Alexandria's Park and Recreation Commission Schedules Public Hearing on the Conceptual Plan for the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial on July 16

July 2, 2009

News Highlights:
• Hearing features the presentation of the conceptual plan for the Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial, and discussion of the historical and interpretive elements that will be central to its design
• The memorial will honor the 1,800 individuals who escaped slavery by fleeing to Alexandria during the Civil War and who are interred in these grounds

The City of Alexandria's Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on to review and discuss the conceptual plan for the Contrabands and Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street.

The conceptual plan is the result of an international design competition, won by C. J. Howard, which was held by the City of Alexandria in April 2008. Mr. Howard's design ideas, along with recommendations from the Freedmen’s Cemetery Steering Committee, served as the basis for the conceptual design.

Freedmen's Cemetery is located at the southwest corner of Church and South Washington Streets. The memorial will honor the 1,800 individuals who escaped slavery by fleeing to Alexandria during the Civil War and who are interred in these grounds.

After discussion on the Cemetery Memorial has concluded, the Commission will hear comments from City residents on any other park and recreation related issue not previously discussed in a public hearing by the Commission. A regular meeting of the Commission follows the public hearing.

Individuals who are unable to attend the public hearing can view the presentation at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation beginning on Friday, July 17, and send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: William Chesley, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or e-mail william.chesley@alexandriava.gov. The deadline to submit comments is Friday, July 30.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, please call William Chesley, Deputy Director, at 703.838.5095, ext. 557 (TTY 703.838.4902), or e-mail william.chesley@alexandriava.gov.